Recurrent non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Recurrent lymphoma occurs when the cancer has come back after treatment. It may relapse in the area where it first developed or return in another part of the body. Recurrence may happen at any time, shortly after treatment has ended or years later. This is called relapsed non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Symptoms of recurrent cancer vary from person to person. Some common recurrent non-Hodgkin lymphoma signs and symptoms include:

Unexplained fever

Swelling in the lymph nodes in the neck, underarms or groin

Night sweats (often soaking the sheets) and/or chills

Persistent fatigue, lethargy or feelings of tiredness

Loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting

Unexplained weight loss

Abdominal pain or swelling or a full feeling

Skin rash or itchy skin (pruritus)

Coughing, shortness of breath or chest pain

Follow-up appointments with your oncologist are important in detecting cancer relapse early. Most recurrences of aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma occur within two years of treatment. Cancer recurrence rates for non-Hodgkin lymphoma vary widely, depending on the lymphoma type and stage, the patient’s age and other variables.